Occupation-Based Intervention Binder and Advanced Clinical Skills Within Hand Therapy: An Evidence Based Approach

Abstract

Hand therapy is an area of practice occupational therapists can specialize in, where patients with injuries to the hand and upper extremity are treated. This area of practice receives criticism as the typical biomechanical approach to intervention is primarily used rather than occupation based. There is growing concern OTs are losing distinct value within this area of practice as their approach does not align with foundational principles. The purpose of the capstone project is to provide quality improvement to patients through the creation and implementation of an occupation-based intervention resource binder for clinical use. Seeking to further explore the discrepancy between literature and clinical practice, research suggests that a dual focused model in practice provides best patient outcomes. Obstacles like caseload demands, post-operative protocols, storage space and prioritizing therapeutics patients can only receive in the clinic are barriers to occupation-based treatment. The capstone student utilized knowledge gained from advanced clinical skills to guide the creation of an evidence-based resource binder to assuage identified obstacles in order to advocate for the profession and improve patient outcomes.